Marginal

/ˈmɑːr.dʒɪ.nəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A value or amount that is only slightly above or below a certain point.

The marginal cost of producing one more unit was higher than expected.

adjective

Relating to or situated at the edge or margin of something; minor or insignificant.

The company reported marginal profits this quarter, indicating little growth.

Of secondary or minor importance; not critical.

The team made some marginal improvements to the project, but the overall impact was minimal.

Located at the periphery or on the borderline of an area; not central.

The park's marginal areas were less developed and provided a habitat for local wildlife.

From Latin 'marginalis', meaning 'of the edge or border'.

marginal gains

Small incremental improvements in performance.

marginal utility

The additional satisfaction gained from consuming one more unit.

marginal propensity to consume

The likelihood that an individual will spend additional income.

marginal cost

The cost of producing one more unit of a good.

margin

The space or border around a page or an edge.

marginalization

The process of pushing a group to the edge of society.

marginality

The condition of being on the periphery or outside the mainstream.

Used to describe something that is just okay, not great.

The concert was marginal, nothing special.

Referring to an uncertain or risky situation.

Investing in that stock seems marginal right now.